Guthrie Countyhttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/guthrie/node/15351/atom/feed2013-01-14T16:03:36-06:00 Extension Offers Online Short Course Series for Equine Business Professionals http://www.extension.iastate.edu/guthrie/node/153512013-01-14T11:09:02-06:002013-01-14T16:03:36-06:00wklein

AMES, Iowa – Equine business professionals can connect with land-grant universities, equine business experts, networking opportunities and other invaluable resources by participating in a new dynamic, online short course series.

“The horse industry is larger than many people realize – there are over 1 million horses and 162,000 horse farms in the North Central Region of the United States,” said Peggy Miller-Auwerda, equine specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “It is estimated that 4.6 million Americans in the U.S. are involved in the horse industry as horse owners, service providers, employees and volunteers. Courses for these business professionals will benefit many people – including the 701,946 people directly employed in the industry.”

Equine Business Short Course Series

Five courses will be offered with a focus on contract/employee labor law, liability issues, working with youth and volunteers, immigration documentation, and farm safety practices. Each course will consist of a webinar, interactive quiz, a decision tool and online resources. Live webinars will be held on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. EST beginning on Feb. 7 to coincide with the launch of each short course. All webinars will be recorded and available for viewing the next day.

Webcast speakers include experts from the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University and a Michigan State University expert on worker safety. Upon completion of each course, participants will receive a certificate of completion.

The Equine Business short courses are offered free of charge, however, advance online registration is required. For registration information visit http://myhorseuniversity.com/ebn. The series is funded in part by a grant from the North Central Risk Management Education Center.

Equine industry professionals are also encouraged to join the Equine Business Network (EBN) community through Facebook and Twitter. Through partnerships with eXtension/horses and My Horse University, EBN offers additional free online resources and networking opportunities for equine businesses.